We are at the beginning of a massive shift from client-server to web-based software in the enterprise. This move will be even more dramatic than the move from mainframe to client-server. The move to self-service distribution will lower sales costs and make comparable technology available to enterprises of all sizes on an eat-as-you-go basis. Having all data in a centralized repository with open interfaces will lead to geometric increases in functionality as customers munge data and functionality together themselves or through third party developers (who will also have access to self-service platforms).

Finally, I predict that Salesforce.com (CRM) will have a valuation higher than SAP (SAP) in 5 years. Today CRM is just under $8 billion in market value and SAP is just under $68 billion in market value.

Google has acquired more than 50 companies, and it’s unlikely the spending spree will stop any time soon, as many of Google’s most recognized services came through acquisitions — including AdSense, Android, AdWords, Blogger, Gmail, Google Analytics, Google Docs, Google Maps, Picassa, and, of course, YouTube Inc.

But there are millions of businesses that will not be acquired by Google. As the saying goes, “Google has plenty of money, but you won’t get any of it.” The reality is, if you’re not one of the lucky chosen, Google can be both a competitor and a phenomenon that marginalizes your business model by making alternatives easy to find, or by turning your paid products into an advertising-sponsored free-for-all.

As an optimist, I’d prefer to think of Google as another arrow in the quiver to be used to expand your Internet business, drive qualifying traffic, improve your brand, and ultimately help support an exit (if you want to be rich) or a viable business model (if you’d rather be king) — or perhaps both.

There are several actions I’d suggest for those looking to make Google a weapon for positive gain. Many of these are mutually exclusive, but some combination warrants consideration for any online business